Saints offensive coordinator talks about the Rams and state of New Orleans offense on Tuesday.
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00:00 What do you think was the key to so much success in pass protection in this last game?
00:07 I think once, really starting with the second half, we got into a little bit of a rhythm.
00:13 I think early in the game we did some things to put ourselves a little bit behind the chains.
00:18 And then we were able to, in the second half when we did, we were able to overcome some of those things.
00:23 So I think that the offensive line played extremely well.
00:26 And I thought that Dirk had a nice clean pocket a lot of times.
00:29 Obviously teams want to be able to dictate things, impose their will on the run game this time of year.
00:35 How close do you think the offensive line has gotten in that regard?
00:39 Has it still been a little touch and go sometimes?
00:41 Well I think this, I think every time we come out of a game there's still things that we want to improve on.
00:45 I think that we felt like we still left some yardage out there, some opportunities there.
00:52 But I think that that group has really come together and I think they're playing at a high level right now.
00:57 Pete, just the extra day of practicing the red zone stuff, how much do you think that's actually helped you all?
01:03 Yeah I think this, I think obviously we've gotten good results from it.
01:07 I think that any time you make an extra emphasis on something, I think that just maybe increases the,
01:13 it's always important, but it just increased maybe focus and I think it's obviously we've gotten good results with it.
01:20 And then Jimmy's obviously been a great target for you all in the red zone.
01:24 Has he also helped just in terms of the attention he draws?
01:27 Yeah I think that even on the, if you look at the touchdown early in the game to Kirkwood,
01:33 and I think that really that play was designed maybe thinking that Jimmy might get a couple guys covering him.
01:39 And so when he's out on the field, obviously team defenses will be aware of him.
01:45 You had 10 different receivers caught passes, was that kind of the idea going in that you're going to spread the ball around when you don't have Chris on the team?
01:51 I think that we feel good about wherever the ball is going with those guys,
01:56 and I think that Derek did a good job getting to where the ball should go,
02:00 so some plays that maybe weren't designed necessarily to go to a certain guy ended up because he just thirded the progression and we got there.
02:06 So I think that we're confident in any of those guys that are on the field that if the ball goes their way that we'll have production.
02:12 How do you feel this kind of performance at game, you're going to be playing a Thursday night game against Los Angeles?
02:17 Yeah, I think right now obviously you have a short week, but I think that for us a lot more walking through are more mental reps,
02:24 but I think that when you have a short week make sure you're doing the things that you know by heart and not overloading them with information.
02:33 Obviously I'm sure you're not going to have it twice, but you already are through this season.
02:38 How much easier does it make you at 96 hours to run?
02:42 Yeah, I think that the process has kind of been similar here for years, it's about getting ready for a Thursday game,
02:48 and so I think that after the game Sunday you don't have much time to even think about it,
02:53 you just want to make sure that you're communicating the corrections to your guys,
02:56 but Sunday afternoon you're back in the office getting on to the next opponent.
03:00 Pete, you guys have had your highest percentage of early down play action in the last three weeks,
03:04 is that something that you've made a concerted effort to try to do?
03:07 Yeah, I think that we've always gone into the game with certain play actions,
03:12 but I think part of that is just calling those, but I think it's obviously helpless in some areas.
03:20 What are some of the advantages you get when you are able to get the ball?
03:23 Well, if you're running the ball efficiently and then you have an opportunity for a play action,
03:28 then maybe you have some bigger play down the field.
03:32 In the red zone specifically, is running the ball more efficient in the first down and second down,
03:36 has that been a big part of it?
03:37 Yeah, I think it is. I think when you look at the teams that are doing well down there,
03:41 the ability to run the ball in the red zone is important,
03:44 I think that puts you in more manageable situations where you feel like,
03:48 "Okay, we're converting some third downs," and we had a couple in that game.
03:52 Of course, we were able to get a PI call in one of them,
03:55 but I think when you can get yourself in those manageable situations, you have more success.
04:00 Is it as simple as just executing better,
04:04 or have there been things, just generally speaking, that you've changed in terms of the red zone?
04:09 I think it's kind of less pen or touchdowns.
04:11 Yeah, I think that guys are competing and executing at a high level,
04:15 and I think that when there are opportunities being called, it may please.
04:19 What are some things that stand out about the Rams defense?
04:22 Yeah, fast, physical, athletic.
04:25 Obviously, they can rush the passer, and obviously it starts with Donald,
04:30 but I think that you look at the back end, they're getting their hands on a lot of balls as well,
04:34 so I think it's a big challenge for us.
04:37 Assuming that a player like Donald's caliber requires extra attention to game plan,
04:42 if that is true, how many players like that are there that you encounter in a regular season?
04:48 Well, he's unique because obviously he is who he is,
04:52 and I think that you better know where he's at on the field at all times.
04:56 I'm not giving away any secrets.
04:58 Everybody would tell you that, but he's obviously a game changer.
05:01 How unique is that, on a week-to-week basis, to have a guy where he's specifically--
05:07 Yeah, I think you go in every week and you study their personnel,
05:11 and so you're setting some things up,
05:16 but I think that obviously he's a big part of what they do and so disruptive and has a ton of production.
05:23 How much more challenging is it to scheme up against an interior pass,
05:27 much like Kent was around versus, say, Dave Antipano, who was moving onside primarily?
05:32 Yeah, I think they obviously do a great job finding ways to move them around,
05:36 and that's part of the challenge,
05:38 and so I think that it's things that you've got to pay attention to,
05:42 and obviously Doug and Kevin do a great job
05:44 as far as what we're talking about, the protection plan.
05:51 Thank you.